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Used Car Seats

Like toys, clothing and other children’s items, second-hand car seats are often shared among friends and family members. Used car seats can also be found at garage sales and consignment stores. While the price may be attractive, that used car seat may not be a bargain.

A second-hand seat may have hidden damage, weaknesses or other safety problems. At thrift stores you will not be able to question the previous owner to ask about the history of the seat. Ask if he or she purchased the seat new or used. It is critical to learn if the seat was ever involved in a car crash. Do NOT use a seat with an unknown history or one that has been in a car crash. The job of a car seat is to distribute crash forces over the strongest parts of the child’s body. So, all the car seat’s parts must be present, correctly assembled, in proper working order, and free from recalls or damage.

Use the checklist to help you decide whether to consider using a second-hand seat.

Car Seats & Boosters

Washington's Child Passenger Safety Program

important links

This site is designed to provide general information on child restraint selection and use in the Unites States. It is not intended to take the place of your child restraint and vehicle manuals. This site provides contact information for child restraint manufacturers and we recommend you contact them for the most up to date use and installation requirements of their products.